For anyone, who would try to stand at the bars of a woman’s soul and asks to gain entrance..
A Woman’s Question by Lena Lathrop Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing, Ever made by the Hand above? A woman’s heart and a woman’s life, And a woman’s wonderful love. Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing, As a child might ask for a toy? Demanding what others have died to win, With the reckless dash of a boy. You have written my lesson of duty out, Manlike, you have questioned me. Now stand at the bars of my woman’s soul, Until I have questioned thee. You require that your mutton shall always be hot, Your socks and your shirts be whole; I require that your heart be as true as God’s stars, And as pure as His heaven, your soul. You require a cook for your mutton and beef, I require a far greater thing. A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts, I look for a man and a king. A king for the beautiful realm called Home, And a man that his Maker God, could, Look upon just as He did at the first, And say, ‘it is very good’. I am fair and young but the rose may fade, From this soft young cheek one day; Will you love me amid the falling leaves, As you did ‘mong the blossoms of May? Is your heart an ocean, strong and true, I may launch my all on its tide? A loving woman finds heaven or hell, On the day she is made a bride. I require all things that are grand and free, All things that a man should be; If you give this all, I would stake my life, To be all you demand of me. If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook, You can hire and little to pay; But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life Are not to be won that way.
